Health Information Management

Tip of the week: Draft policy that outlines how often staff members should change their passwords

HIM Connection, August 5, 2008

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM Connection!

Changing your password is addressable under the HIPAA security rule. Your organization must perform and document a risk assessment to determine when, how often, and why it will require employees to change their passwords. Your organization should have a written policy that describes the types of passwords that are appropriate. The policy should also describe the protocol for changing passwords or clearly articulate why your facility has decided not to require employees to change their passwords. Cost cannot be the reason as to why you do not implement an addressable requirement. The risk assessment and policy will document your facility’s due diligence in the event of a security breach or audit.
 
Editor’s note: This Q&A was excerpted from the July issue of Medical Records Briefing.Chris Simons, RHIA, director of HIM and privacy officer at Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook, ME, answered this question. For more information, visit www.hcpro.com/content/213045.cfm.
 



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM Connection!

Comments

0 comments on “Tip of the week: Draft policy that outlines how often staff members should change their passwords

 

  • Briefings on APCs

    Worried about the complexities of the new rules under OPPS and APCs? Briefings on APCs helps you understand the new rules...

  • Medical Records Briefing

    Guiding Health Information Management professionals through the continuously changing field of medical records and toward a...

  • Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies

    Submitting improper Medicare documentaion can lead to denial of fees, payback, fines, and increased diligence from payers...

  • Briefings on HIPAA

    How can you minimize the impact of HIPAA? Subscribe to Briefings on HIPAA, your health information management resource for...

  • APCs Weekly Monitor

    This HTML-based e-mail newsletter provides weekly tips and advice on the new ambulatory payment classifications regulations...

Most Popular

Related Articles